A cylinder in which railway carriages are disinfected by fumigation with formaldehyde gas. Photograph, 1933.

Swindon : G.W.R., 21.1.33 [21 January 1933]

1 photograph : photoprint ; sheet 23.7 x 28.8 cm

Carriage disinfecting plant, Swindon. G.W.R. Drawing Office Swindon issued 21.1.33. Loan: return to H.T. Wilkins, Eng. after use, 29 Bean Road, Bexleyheath E. ... Lettering written and stamped on verso, and typed on slip attached to verso. Typed on slip: "The interior of the disinfecting cylinder, lined with steam pipes, to raise the temperature to 120 degrees F. A pump operates a vacuum inside, when formalin, converted into formaldehyde gas, is introduced inside the cylinder. The air is admitted, destroying the vacuum, when the created suction forces the cleansing and steriising gas into every nook of the car and upholstery."

Wellcome Collection 995230i